PhD ceremony Mr. Y. Chen: Analysis of bacterial adhesion forces. A study using atomic force microscopy

PhD ceremony: Mr. Y. Chen

Dissertation: Analysis of bacterial adhesion forces. A study using atomic force microscopy

Promotor(s): prof. H.J. Busscher, prof. W. Norde, prof. H.C. van der Mei

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Although the mechanisms by which eukaryotic cells are capable of adapting their cell morphology and cytoskeletal structure upon adhesion to substratum surfaces are well known, these mechanisms are still obscure for bacteria due to the nano-scale of their deformation. The response of a bacterium adhering at a substratum surface appears to be related to the adhesion force, and the resulting deformation of the cell surface. Models and methods to define and retrieve mechanical properties of the bacterial cell surface can contribute to further understanding of the generic mechanisms involved in bacterial sensing of substratum surfaces, their response to adhering state, and their subsequent growth into a biofilm.